ESP LTD M-400HT SCARLET METALLIC guitar
Description
ESP LTD M-400HT Scarlet Metallic Electric Guitar
The M-400HT is engineered for tracking and performance with a lightweight frame at 6.4 lb and an extra-thin U-profile neck that cuts fatigue during long session work. The bolt-on mahogany construction paired with roasted maple neck yields a focused, articulate tone with excellent sustain—ideal for layering high-gain parts, aggressive rock rhythms, or anything requiring punch and clarity in a dense mix. The Scarlet Metallic finish commands attention on camera while the no-compromise build keeps the focus on what matters: solid recording performance.
Playability & Feel
The extra-thin U contour neck combined with a 43mm nut width and 25.5" scale length creates a responsive, fast platform for precise tracking and articulate performances. The 350mm fingerboard radius and 24 extra-jumbo frets enable clean bends and note definition across the entire range—critical for capturing expressive takes without fighting the instrument. LTD locking tuners ensure the stability required for multiple pass tracking and post-production pitch accuracy.
Tone & Electronics
The EMG 81 bridge and EMG 85 neck pickups deliver the high-output, articulate response needed for tight tracking in high-gain and rock contexts, with excellent note separation and controlled low-end that sits cleanly in a mix. Volume and tone controls with a 3-way pickup selector offer quick tonal adjustments during sessions without major re-amping, while the LTD hardtail bridge with string-thru-body design maximizes body resonance and sustain for consistent tone across takes.
Key Features
- Scarlet Metallic finish with single-ply black binding
- Bolt-on mahogany body construction
- 3-piece roasted maple neck with reversed matching-finish headstock
- Extra-thin U profile neck contour for speed and comfort
- Rosewood fingerboard with 350mm radius
- 24 extra-jumbo frets for smooth bends and articulation
- 25.5" scale length with 43mm nut width
- EMG 81 active bridge pickup and EMG 85 active neck pickup
- LTD locking tuners for tuning stability
- LTD hardtail bridge with string-thru-body design
- Black hardware throughout
- 6.4 lbs weight
This instrument is built for studio tracking and production work—delivering aggressive, defined high-output tones with the build stability and ergonomic design that supports long sessions and consistent takes.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The M-400HT is a direct, high-output recording platform designed for metal, djent, and hard rock production where aggressive tone and articulate note definition matter most. The EMG 81/85 active pickup pairing delivers punchy, controlled bass response and cutting mids ideal for layering rhythms or capturing solos with precision; the lightweight mahogany body and hardtail design maximize sustain and resonance capture. Fast, responsive neck design makes it comfortable for long tracking sessions and experimentation across aggressive and dynamic playing styles.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar suited for?
The M-400HT is designed for intermediate to professional players, especially those working in metal, hard rock, djent, and progressive styles. Its fast extra-thin U-profile neck and high-output active pickups reward technical playing and aggressive picking techniques; beginners may find the extra-jumbo frets and active electronics less forgiving for learning foundational technique.
What pickups does it have and what tone should I expect?
The guitar features EMG 81 active bridge and EMG 85 active neck pickups, known for aggressive, articulate response with excellent note definition and tight low-end control. These high-output pickups are purpose-built for high-gain contexts and deliver the cutting presence needed for metal and hard rock without flabbiness or mud.
How comfortable is the neck for extended playing?
The extra-thin U-profile neck combined with a 43mm nut width and fast 350mm fingerboard radius makes it exceptionally comfortable and responsive for speed work, bends, and lateral movement. At 6.4 lbs total, the guitar is lightweight and reduces fatigue during long sessions or touring.
Will this guitar work for blues or jazz?
The M-400HT is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and djent; its aggressive, high-output tone character and active electronics are not optimized for the warm, dynamic response blues and jazz players typically seek. A different guitar design would be better suited to those styles.
What hardware and bridge design does it use?
The M-400HT features an LTD hardtail bridge with string-thru-body design, which maximizes vibration transfer to the body for enhanced resonance and sustain. It also includes LTD locking tuners for stable tuning during aggressive playing, and all hardware is black-finished.
Compare With
Similar Guitars
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.